In a statement, the port of Lisbon highlights that the record was set in 2018, when it registered 577,603 cruise passengers.

According to the port of Lisbon, in the stopovers, the record was set at 347, 20 more than in 2022.

"Also the stopovers in 'turnaround' registered a new record, 107, surpassing the absolute maximum of 103 stopovers accounted for in the homologous period", is mentioned in the note.

Of the total number of passengers, 204 thousand are from the 'turnaround' segment, that is, from cruises that embark and/or disembark at the Portuguese capital's cruise terminal.

This number, according to the port of Lisbon, represents an increase of 131% in this segment.

"Highlight for the largest ever 'turnaround' operation in the Port of Lisbon, on July 30, with the movement of 9,163 passengers, of which 4,476 embarked and 4,687 disembarked", according to the entity.

Regarding the source markets, the company states that, in 2023, Europe remained the main source market for cruise passengers to Lisbon, with the United Kingdom leading, representing 38% of the total.

The USA surpassed Germany and now appears in second place, with an increase of 116% in passengers, representing 20% of the total.

"Germany, despite a growth of 14%, fell to third place with 15%. Canada and Portugal occupy, respectively, the fourth and fifth places, with significant increases in the number of passengers (+172% and +88%) compared to the previous year", is mentioned in the note.

According to the company, in 2023, the Port of Lisbon registered an 8.7% increase in cargo ship stopovers -- 2,045 stopovers --, which handled 11 million tons, and a further 6% in cruise stopovers, which handled a record 758,328 passengers.

Regarding cargo, there was an 11% growth in general cargo, to 4.6 million tons, and a 13% increase in containerized cargo.

"The Alcântara Container Terminal, whose investment project for its modernization is in the second phase, contributed to this recovery, having registered a growth of 48% in tons handled", says the Port of Lisbon.

According to the note, the new services that started operating in this terminal in 2023, namely for South America, were decisive in increasing the offer available to companies that aim to export from Lisbon.

As for the bulk market, 9.6% more liquid bulk was handled, with a highlight for the 600% increase in the bunker market (offshore fuel supply to ships).

"It is worth mentioning that in solid bulk there was a growth in products such as wheat, barley, rapeseed and sugar, over 40%", indicates the Port of Lisbon.

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